Foundations, concealers, eye shadows and lipsticks can all rack up receipt prices.

Luckily, there’s a way to save costs while also improving the overall look of your products.

To do this, we have to get back to the base-ics.

In order to achieve optimal results, you have to start off with a good base.

First, cleanse your face and pat dry. I recommend using warm water and your cleanser to wash your face. The warm water will open your pores, allowing a deeper clean. Exfoliating your face will also help provide a smoother make-up application.

Next, apply a moisturizer. Because the pores are still open, the moisturizer will absorb into the skin better.

Now, this next step is the key: primer.

Primer is designed to smooth and conceal fine lines and uneven skin texture. It can reduce the appearance of pores and also helps cosmetics to properly adhere to the skin. By using primer, your make-up will last longer throughout the day and have a much more polished look. It also makes eye shadows and lip colors really pop! Try putting on eye shadow with primer on one eyelid and not on the other and see the difference for yourself.

Primer will even save your make-up in the long run. By using it, you won’t have to apply as much make-up because it allows a better application. Also, because of the long-lasting wear, you won’t have to keep re-applying every few hours.

That means you won’t have to buy the products as often, meaning you can save money! You can use it toward those shoes you’ve been eyeing…or rent money, I suppose.

After applying your primer, follow with your foundation, eye shadow and lipstick. Also, be sure to use a powder to set your foundation. I suggest a translucent one. This way, if you need to re-apply powder, you won’t have a ton of tinted layers caking onto your face by the end of the day.

You can get face primers, eye primers and even lip primers.

If you don’t want to get a lip primer, a trick is to put on concealer before applying your lipstick. You can also take your lip liner and fill in your entire lips instead of just lining them. This will provide better product application. It will prolong wear and will prevent the lipstick from settling into the lines of your lips. Don’t forget to put a lip moisturizer on before applying these.

At the end of the day, the best base is simply you. You want to care for your skin as best you can.

If necessary, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.

Be sure to clean your make-up brushes after each application. There are brush shampoos available, as well as spray cleaners which dry within minutes. Cleaning your brushes will stop the spread of bacteria that can accumulate on them in order to prevent breakouts.

Is dry, damaged hair putting a damper on your day? Try using this strengthening hair mask to deep condition those lifeless locks.

Start by getting some unrefined or refined, though preferably unrefined, coconut oil. Coconut oil has many health benefits. It helps to restore natural oils and moisture and it reduces loss of protein to promote healthy, shiny hair. It is also natural and cost-effective.

Take your coconut oil and heat it up in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. You don’t want it too hot because you will be applying this to your scalp.

Mix the heated coconut oil with one egg.

Hair is primarily composed of protein. Protein deficiency can lead to rough, weak strands. By using an egg, protein will be distributed to give your mane a fighting chance.

Make sure to have an old t-shirt on or wrap a towel over your shoulders because this can get messy!

Begin applying the mixture to your scalp while it’s still warm, being sure to really massage it in. The heat will open up your hair follicles for better absorption into the scalp. Massaging the scalp will also promote hair growth.

Be sure to apply this to clean hair. If you have a lot of product build-up, the products will act as a barrier, which will decrease absorption of the strengthening mask.

Once you have massaged the mixture throughout your entire scalp, start applying it to your ends and the rest of your hair.

Take a plastic bag, like a grocery bag, and wrap your hair in it.

Leave this on for 30-40 minutes and then rinse it out in the shower. Try using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner because these will be healthier than ones with harsh chemicals.

While hair is still damp, you can re-apply a small amount of coconut oil to help retain moisture.

Repeat this process 2-3 times per week, depending on the damage of your hair.

Be sure not to over-condition either because too much protein can leave your tresses feeling dry and brittle!